Dr. Leanna Duckworth, Director & Veterinarian

“Approach every situation with kindness, compassion and understanding. The ability to be this way is what is so wonderful about being human and it is our responsibility to use our abilities with great care.”

As a child, I felt sad and helpless whenever I came across a sick or injured animal because I didn’t know how to help them. I vowed, when I grew up, I would learn to help animals. It was a passion that grew in me as I got older and that is why I ended up becoming a vet. Whether it is through preventative health care, aiding an emergency, or comfortably helping an old friend over the Rainbow Bridge with peace and dignity, I know I am making a difference every day. I want each and every client and patient that comes through our door to be happy to see us and know we understand it can be stressful when our companions are sick. We all have pets too and we treat each pet as if they were our own.

From the age of 12, Leanna worked in veterinary hospitals; first as a volunteer, then as an assistant, and she proceeded to work every position a hospital had to offer for a non-veterinarian. Throughout university she continued to work in clinics and graduated with her B.Sc. (Hons) in 1997. In 2002, she graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and earned a Masters in Leadership at the University of Guelph in 2017. She continually seeks further training and education in all aspects of her career so that she may provide the excellence in care she feels all veterinary professionals should strive to achieve. Her passions, aside from the above include: staff management, geriatric medicine, ultrasound and more natural approaches to health where appropriate. She shares her life with her incredible husband, two amazing boys, a spunky cat she adopted from the humane society named Blackberry, and her beautiful lab Phoenix.

Dr. Andria Joy, Part-Time Veterinary Associate

“Be kind and always keep learning.”

I became a veterinarian because I always wanted to help animals and cure diseases so they don’t suffer. My goal for every patient is to be able to understand the state of the animal by gathering as much information from the owner as possible, doing a thorough exam of the patient, then assessing my findings to determine their health status and plan accordingly. Dr. Joy works with us part time every other Saturday. Her full time job is working at the University of Guelph as a professor; training young up and coming veterinarians in surgery and medicine. She brings with her a lifetime of experience and tremendous knowledge in her practice of veterinary medicine. Her kind and caring nature fits in well with us here at BAH and her patients and our staff love her! When she isn’t at work, she spends her time with her two cats, two beagles and two daughters!

Dr. Laurie Freedman, Full-Time Veterinary Associate

“Could be worse. Not sure how, but it could be.” - Eeyore

I became a veterinarian to help all pets; whether they be large or small. Growing up with and caring for pets of all sizes made me want to pursue my passion and make it a career. It is a challenging but rewarding pursuit to try to figure out what’s going on with our furry patients who aren’t able to verbally tell us themselves. My goal with every patient visit is to come up with a plan that works best not just for the pet, but for their family members as well. I want to ensure owners are comfortable with what we are doing and that they are an integral part of what is going on. Ultimately, I want all our patient’s families to be happy with the medical care they receive.

Dr. Freedman graduated with her Veterinary Medicine Degree from University College Dublin, in Ireland in 2018. Prior to that Dr. Freedman completed a Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology (Honours ) at the University of Guelph in 2010, a Veterinary Technician Diploma (with Honours) from Seneca College in 2012, and a Masters of Science (Animal Science) at Aberystwyth University, in the UK. She has worked most of her career providing care to both large and small animals and brings with her expertise in exotic pets as well! We are excited Dr. Freedman has joined us full time, Monday-Wednesday. Her bubbly, caring nature and expertise will be a tremendous asset to BAH.

When Dr. Freedman isn’t at work, she is at home enjoying her furry family: Coal - her 3 year old black lab, Biscuit - her six year old Abyssinian guinea pig and her three American Guinea pigs - mama guinea pig Peppermint and her two one year old daughters Pecan and Praline. She also shares her life with her mom, siblings and niece Abigail.

Dr. Hardik Patel, Locum Veterinarian

I grew up in a small village surrounded by animals. While most of these were large animals, I have always desired to help all animals in all ways possible. My goal for each pet during their vet visit is that they are made to feel comfortable and that the visit is stress free.

Dr. Patel graduated with a Bachelor in Veterinary Science and Animal Health. He works with us part time on Thursdays and Fridays and every other Saturday. He comes to us with over 3 years of experience working in fast-paced emergency medicine as well as general medicine and surgery. He hopes one day to own his own practice. His calm, kind nature and big smile were an immediate hit with our patients and with our staff. When he is not at work, Dr. Patel spends his time with his wife and young son who he adores!

Maddi, Practice Manager

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened” - Anatole France

I’ve always been passionate about caring for animals and having them enrich our lives. Coming to work every day to combine one of my passions with work is truly a blessing. I love the varying aspects and challenges that working in vet med provides me to continue to grow. My goal with every appointment is for owners to be fully informed and confident with decisions and every pet to feel comfortable like they’re with their second family. I love them as much as you do!

Maddi has 14 years of vet med experience and is Fear Free Certified. When she is not being our manager, you can find her working with our fearful patients to normalize the veterinary clinic experience and helping take the fear out of vet visits. She has made a tremendous difference for our fearful patients. When she isn’t at work she can be found with her two rescue dogs Tessa (Tessa Marie) and Roxy (Woodle). She’s also often hiding in the barn training and riding horses and soaking in the perfect escape and reboot they provide. When she is not busy with all that, she is expanding on her fear free program at the clinic and running her new dog training service “Tessa’s Success” that specializes in canine behavioural rehabilitation and modification.

Hanna, Assistant Manager

"A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference" -Eeyore

After several years training to be a RN in the human medical field, I chose to switch paths towards the veterinary industry. I love working with pet parents to help them get the best care for their fur-babies, and seeing their fuzzy faces brightens my day!

When Hanna isn't with us, she is at home with her partner and spending time with their three children, four cats, guinea pig, bearded dragon and their active puppy Bear. Truly quite the menagerie!

Natalie, Registered Veterinary Technician

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened"

I became an RVT because of my love and passion for helping animals. I grew up on a farm and was always surrounded by all sorts of animals. I enrolled in the University of Guelph - Ridgetown Campus for Veterinary Technology and have been working in the field since graduating in 2013. 

My goal for every patient is to be the best advocate for their health and wellbeing while treating them all with love, patience and care. 

When not at work, Natalie enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her husband, toddler and fur baby: Bailey. She also enjoys going on long walks/hikes, park trips and travelling all over!

Marie, Veterinary Technician

“If you’re not covered in dog hair, your life is empty” - Elayne Booslev ; “Pets understand humans better than humans do”- Ruchi Prabhu.

I became a Veterinary Technician because as far back as I can remember I have always wanted to work with animals. As I got older I found my love for helping animals in need and caring for all animals brought in. My goal with every patient is to have them as comfortable as possible, from making drop in appointments feel less scary to providing the best care and advise. I want to advocate the best option for the pet and to be it’s voice.

Marie shares the love of two dogs - Ellie and Gracie - with her parents: her mom, Denise, and her dad, Tony. Ellie is a two year old rescue that was found at Mount Trashmore, and Gracie is a one year old Boxer and Great Pyrenees mix.

Nina, Veterinary Assistant

“Saving one pet won't change the world but for that one pet the world will change forever.”

The veterinary industry has intrigued me from an early age, which has motivated me to get involved in this line of work. I have always adored animals and found any way to aid them, no matter how small or big the problem is. I find it not only essential to account for the animals' health but also the families' well-being, as it is not only the animals that matter but the loved ones as well. When Nina isn’t with us, she is with her Father, Mother and Brother, as well as their animal family: Sunny, the 10-year-old chihuahua; Reya, the 7-year-old Senegal Parrot; and Jasper, the 1-year-old Kongo African Grey Parrot.

Owen, Part Time Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist

“Everyday is better if you learn something.”

I aspire to learn new things all the time; and this job has provided me with an opportunity to learn about veterinary medicine . I love animals, so working with them all day makes my job more fun. My goal is to always make an animal feel comfortable and safe. If an animal feels safe then it will be safer to be with said animal.

Owen, his mother and his father share their home with a lovely little lady, Annie, their miniature golden-doodle.